A slip and fall accident can be a serious disruption in your day, causing you pain and discomfort for hours after the fact. But how do you know when your injuries are bad enough to warrant medical attention? What are the most important symptoms to look for after a fall? What causes these accidents? Can a fall injury be deadly?
In this blog, we’ll explore the top 11 symptoms to look for after a fall accident. If you suffer from any of these 11 symptoms, a professional medical evaluation can ensure your injuries are diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, reducing pain and preventing further damage.
If you have suffered from a serious slip and fall accident as a result of a property owner’s negligence, call the Southfield slip-and-fall accident attorneys at Lipton Law. Our dedicated slip and fall accident lawyers bring a wealth of experience to each case we handle, and have an in-depth understanding of the nuances surrounding premises liability cases.
Call us at (248) 557-1688 to schedule a free initial case evaluation with a member of our stellar legal team.
What Are the Top Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents?
A slip and fall accident can happen just about anywhere, but they are oftentimes caused by certain environmental factors. Some of the top causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Slippery or wet floors
- Uneven flooring
- Cluttered floors
- Ill-fitting footwear
- Poor lighting
In order to lower the risk of injury, property owners should do what they can to ensure visitors can navigate safely throughout the space. This can include repairing uneven or cracked floors, removing obstructions from walkways, placing anti-slip tape on slippery areas, and improving lighting around walkways. This can help protect visitors from injury and also protect property owners from liability.
What Are the Most Common Slip and Fall Injuries?
There are a number of common injuries that can arise as a result of a slip and fall accident, some of which can be severe and life-altering. Understanding these common types of slip and fall injuries can help individuals recognize the potential consequences of a slip and fall accident and can encourage them to seek medical attention for their personal injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
One of the most severe injuries a person can suffer from as a result of a slip and fall accident is a traumatic brain injury. These can occur when the victim hits their head on a hard surface, like a table, stair, or the floor. The impact can lead to concussions, contusions, or more severe brain injuries.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Like the head, the spine is also vulnerable to injury during slip and fall accidents, and injuries to the back and spinal cord can have serious, long-lasting consequences. Falls can cause vertebral fractures, herniated discs, or even spinal cord injuries, which can cause pain, limited mobility, or even paralysis.
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are also common in slip and fall accidents. Soft tissue injuries are injuries that affect the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the body, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
In a slip and fall accident, the accident victim may try to brace themselves with their hands, which often results in wrist injuries like sprains. Additionally, the fall can cause a person’s head to jerk violently, which can lead to a neck injury like whiplash.
Can Slip and Fall Accidents Be Deadly?
While slip and fall accidents are often associated with minor injuries, the reality is that, in certain situations, fall-related injuries can be deadly. According to the National Safety Council, 44,686 people died in fall accidents at home or at work in 2021.
Fractures, head injuries, and internal trauma caused by fall accidents can have life-threatening implications. These fall injuries are particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, where a seemingly simple fall can cause them to suffer from much more serious injuries than a younger person would.
In some cases, property owners or managers may cause some of these fatal accidents as a result of negligence. In these situations, the family of the accident victim can file a wrongful death suit and receive compensation for their losses.
If your loved one died as a result of a slip and fall accident on another person’s property, call the legal team at Lipton Law. We recognize how slip and fall incidents can be and are committed to helping those affected by these accidents seek justice.
Top 11 Symptoms to Look for After a Fall
After a fall, it’s important to stay alert for any signs that could point to underlying injuries or health issues. Below are the top 11 injury symptoms to look for after a fall accident so that you can receive medical attention and recover as soon as possible. Identifying these symptoms early on is crucial for getting prompt medical help and ensuring a smoother recovery process.
1. Persistent and Ongoing Pain
If you’ve taken a tumble, keep an eye out for any persistent aches or discomforts in areas like your back, neck, or joints. If the pain doesn’t ease up over time and sticks around after the initial impact, it’s essential to get medical help.
2. Sharp, Sudden Pain
If you feel a sudden and sharp pain in a part of your body after a slip and fall, it could mean that you have an acute injury like a fracture or sprain. If you’re dealing with severe pain when you move or touch the affected area, it’s a good call to seek immediate medical evaluation.
3. Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
After a fall, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, like headaches, dizziness, confusion, and changes in cognitive function. Traumatic head injuries can have long-lasting effects, so It’s important to spot and address these signs as soon as possible. Seek medical attention for a thorough evaluation to ensure you receive a proper diagnosis and timely intervention, if needed.
4. New Back Pain
If you’re dealing with new back or neck pain after a fall, don’t brush it off. It might signal injuries like fractures, sprains, or even a spinal cord injury. Anyone feeling discomfort, stiffness, or sharp pain in the back post-fall should get medical attention as soon as they can.
5. Serious Cuts or Lacerations
Small scrapes and lacerations are common minor injuries that often occur as a result of a slip and fall accident. However, if you experience any deep cuts or lacerations as a result of your fall, seek medical treatment as soon as you can.
To prevent infection and stop the bleeding, clean and dress the wound as soon as possible. Apply pressure to the dressings until you’re in the hands of a medical professional.
6. Stomach Pain After the Fall
If you begin experiencing abdominal pain after a fall, it could be a symptom of internal injuries like organ damage or internal bleeding. If the pain is persistent or worsening, and it’s paired with other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel movements, seek immediate medical attention promptly.
7. Severe Bruising
Bruises are common in slip and fall accidents, but if your bruises are extensive or get worse over time, it could indicate a more significant problem. Severe, deep bruises could indicate broken blood vessels, deep soft tissue damage, or even broken bones.
Keep an eye on changes in bruise color, size, or tenderness, and don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you’re concerned about the severity of your bruises.
8. Movement Restrictions
If you find yourself having trouble moving after a fall, you likely have musculoskeletal injuries like fractures or sprains. If you’re having difficulty moving a specific body part or experiencing stiffness that limits your range of motion, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. This can help ensure that you receive the treatment you need and can help prevent further injury.
9. Tinnitus or Ear Ringing
If you notice symptoms of tinnitus, like a constant ringing in your ears, after a slip and fall, you may have a head injury or an injury to the structures in your ear. It’s a good idea to seek medical attention for a comprehensive examination of the ears and head. This can help address any potential underlying issues and prevent complications.
10. Dizziness or Balance Problems
If you’re feeling dizzy or having trouble with balance after a fall, it could be a sign of various issues like inner ear disturbances or head injuries. If you get up from your fall and find yourself unsteady, lightheaded, or struggling to maintain balance, you may have a serious injury and should get a medical evaluation. Identifying the root cause of your dizziness early on can help with effective management and prevent further complications.
11. Feeling “Off” in Some Way
After a slip and fall, you may feel slightly “off” or experience symptoms you just can’t place. You may also feel very subjective symptoms like general discomfort and unease, or even just a gut feeling that something isn’t right.
Even if these symptoms are hard to articulate, they are still very real symptoms people experience as a result of an accident. Seeking medical treatment can help ease your discomfort and ensure that any underlying issues are addressed before they worsen.
Symptoms to Look for After a Fall on Back
If you slip and fall on your back, it can be hard to brace yourself before impact. This can cause serious spinal injuries like a fracture, sprain, slipped disk, or spinal cord contusion. Be on the lookout for symptoms like:
- Persistent pain and discomfort
- Stiffness
- Sharp pain
- Movement restrictions
- Tingling or numbness in any part of your body
Serious back injuries require immediate medical attention to prevent further damage, so seek a medical evaluation as soon as you can.
When to Seek Medical Attention After a Fall
After a bad fall, it can be hard to know when you actually need medical assistance. If you experience any of the symptoms in this section after your fall, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Immediate Symptoms
Sometimes, a slip and fall accident can cause you to experience pain symptoms and other injury symptoms immediately after the fall. If you experience immediate symptoms such as severe pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or visible fractures after a fall, seek medical attention promptly. These signs could indicate a serious injury.
Unclear Symptoms
In cases where symptoms are unclear or ambiguous, it’s advisable to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention. Unclear symptoms may include a general feeling of unease, dizziness, or a sense that something is not right.
While these signs may be subtle, they could be early indicators of underlying health issues that may need attention. Additionally, receiving medical assistance can help ease any of your worries regarding the situation, which can help ease stress or discomfort.
Symptoms That Develop Later
In some accident situations, our bodies may produce enough adrenaline to completely numb the pain of any injuries for minutes or hours after the initial accident. If you begin to notice symptoms of an injury, even if it’s been a few hours or a few days since your fall, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. You could be suffering from latent injuries as a result of your slip and fall.
Can You Sue Someone for a Slip and Fall Injury?
Yes, in certain situations, you may be able to sue for a fall injury. Property owners and managers have a legal responsibility to maintain their premises and ensure it is safe for visitors. This includes using proper lighting, warning of wet floors, and keeping walkways clear. When property owners fail to do so, they can cause serious slip and fall injuries.
If you’ve experienced a slip and fall injury due to the negligence of another party, you may be eligible to file a premises liability lawsuit. A personal injury claim like this can help you recover compensation for damages like medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Taking legal action not only holds those responsible for your injuries accountable, but it also helps you secure the financial support you need for recovery. If you’re unsure about your eligibility to sue for a slip and fall injury, contact our legal team at Lipton Law for a free consultation. We can help determine your eligibility and provide you with guidance on the best course of action.
Call a Michigan Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer with Lipton Law
Slip and fall accidents can seem rather innocuous, but they can have devastating consequences, especially for the elderly. Certain fall injuries can heal over time, but others, like spinal cord damage, head injuries, and chronic pain, can have a long-lasting impact on someone’s life.
It’s important to seek medical treatment after a fall accident to ensure your condition doesn’t worsen. Additionally, medical records of your injuries could be extremely helpful in a personal injury lawsuit.
If you have suffered from a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to financial compensation. A personal injury attorney from Lipton Law can help evaluate your eligibility and determine what to do next.
We are dedicated to ensuring that those who have suffered injuries due to negligence receive the legal support they deserve. Call us at (248) 557-1688 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an attorney on our team.